Cats are among the most popular of human companion animals and in fact are even more popular than dogs in some countries. It’s easy to see why, cats are affectionate animals, who are quite easy to care for, and make excellent pets.

When you adopt a cat you are responsible for ensuring that it has access to the best possible veterinary care. Cats are usually quite robust creatures but they are susceptible to diseases like diabetes.

Diabetes is more common in humans than it is in animals. However, the cause of the disease is the same. Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood, and the level of blood sugar in the body is controlled by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When the pancreas doesn’t function properly, it fails to produce enough insulin, allowing blood sugar levels to get out of control, causing diabetes.

You need to be alert for signs that your cat may have the disease. Common signs include a significant increase in water consumption and urination, deterioration in the condition of the coat, a drop in weight and loss of appetite. If these symptoms are present you need to make an appointment with your vet right away.

If the disease goes untreated then the consequences are dire. The cat will begin to display more serious symptoms like vomiting and become lethargic, eventually lapsing into a coma.

The good news is that feline diabetes can be treated. As with the disease in humans, certain lifestyle and dietary changes will be needed, but provided they are, your cat can live a long and normal life.

As with human diabetes sufferers, diet is very important in controlling the disease. Your cat will have to be fed at the same time every day. You will also have to give your cat insulin shots once or twice a day. Your vet will be able to advise you as to the dosage and frequency, and will also show you how to prepare the syringe and give the injection.

Regardless of whether the cat was allowed out in the past, you will have to keep her indoors in the future. This is very important because of the set frequency of meals and insulin shots. If the cat is outdoors and does not have these on time, she may go into shock and even into a coma.

Follow your vets instructions closely when administering insulin. The cat must always be fed first before getting the injection. If the medication is administered before the cat has eaten, the result will be hypoglycemic shock, which is usually fatal.

Over time your vet may reduce the amount and / or frequency of insulin injections, but if your cat has diabetes, she will have to stay on insulin the rest of her life.

Cat names hq.com has brought you this article in the interests of promoting good feline health. For excellent kitten names, including thousands of female cat names, visit our site at www.catnameshq.com.

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